After Dolly Parton moved to Nashville, her life turned around when a record label signed her. Fred Foster, who founded Monument Records, realized Parton would be a success and began to work with her. He thought she needed a little work before she could achieve stardom, though. Foster reportedly spent thousands of dollars trying to make her a little classier.
Dolly Parton’s record label paid for her to take lessons
Though Parton had achieved local success in her music career as early as childhood, she struggled when she moved to Nashville. She could hardly afford to eat, and record label after record label rejected her. Foster turned her luck around.
“The instant you heard her you would never forget that was Dolly Parton,” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Obviously, there are people who can’t stand to hear her sing, but that’s true of...
Dolly Parton’s record label paid for her to take lessons
Though Parton had achieved local success in her music career as early as childhood, she struggled when she moved to Nashville. She could hardly afford to eat, and record label after record label rejected her. Foster turned her luck around.
“The instant you heard her you would never forget that was Dolly Parton,” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Obviously, there are people who can’t stand to hear her sing, but that’s true of...
- 5/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Dolly Parton met Cas Walker, she promised him she’d work hard if he gave her a spot on his radio show. Walker agreed to hire a young Parton, who stayed true to her word. He was endlessly impressed by the dedication she showed.
Dolly Parton’s boss said she was a hard worker
Parton knew she wanted to be a singer from a young age. When she was just 10 years old, she began to appear on Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. By the time she was in high school, Parton was appearing on the show three times a day.
“I didn’t pay much attention to Dolly’s singing when she was little, ’cause that was just part of our family,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “But when she was ten or eleven, I saw she was just determined to be a singer.
Dolly Parton’s boss said she was a hard worker
Parton knew she wanted to be a singer from a young age. When she was just 10 years old, she began to appear on Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. By the time she was in high school, Parton was appearing on the show three times a day.
“I didn’t pay much attention to Dolly’s singing when she was little, ’cause that was just part of our family,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “But when she was ten or eleven, I saw she was just determined to be a singer.
- 5/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
California – Circa 1964: Rock and roll band “The Beach Boys” perform onstage in circa 1964 in California. (L-r) Dennis Wilson, Al Jardine, Carl Wilson, Brian Wilson, Mike Love. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Via Disney+ The iconic sounds of The Beach Boys are back in the spotlight with a brand-new documentary now streaming on Disney+. Directed by acclaimed producer and filmmaker Frank Marshall (the director behind The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart), The Beach Boys is a treasure trove of never-before-seen footage, behind-the-scenes revelations, and candid interviews with Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, and other music legends. Spanning over six decades of music history, The Beach Boys’ legacy is undeniable. But with countless hit songs, iconic albums, and a whirlwind of both public and private events, one might wonder what moment stands out most in the band’s memory. Lead...
- 5/24/2024
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Some of Elvis Presley’s closest friends were members of his entourage. They traveled with him, served as bodyguards, and assisted him in times of need. In return, Elvis paid them and showered them with lavish gifts. While one of his longtime friends said this was a benefit of knowing Elvis, it was also something of a curse.
Elvis’ friend said the singer was both a blessing and a curse to know
Elvis watched a good deal of television in his lifetime. One of his favorite programs was a show called The Millionaire.
“Elvis was crazy about a TV show … called The Millionaire,” his friend Joe Esposito said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “Each week an ordinary person with a problem answered a knock at his door to find a messenger in a suit who announced that he was presenting the person...
Elvis’ friend said the singer was both a blessing and a curse to know
Elvis watched a good deal of television in his lifetime. One of his favorite programs was a show called The Millionaire.
“Elvis was crazy about a TV show … called The Millionaire,” his friend Joe Esposito said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “Each week an ordinary person with a problem answered a knock at his door to find a messenger in a suit who announced that he was presenting the person...
- 5/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s granddaughter, Riley Keough, has retained control of her grandfather’s historic Graceland home. A Memphis chancellor says the property will not be foreclosed upon at this time. A future hearing will determine who will maintain rightful ownership of the estate.
Graceland remains a Presley family asset until it is determined who owns the historic estate
Chancellor JoeDae Jenkins says Elvis Presley’s Memphis, Tennessee home, Graceland, will continue to remain a Presley family asset. Therefore, a planned foreclosure and sale of the property will not occur, as reportedly scheduled, on May 23.
Jenkins made the following ruling, per CNN. “The estate is considered unique under Tennessee law. And in being unique, the loss of the real estate will be considered irreparable harm.”
In a blockbuster turn of events, it was reported on May 20 that Elvis Presley’s Graceland home would be sold in a foreclosure sale. His granddaughter,...
Graceland remains a Presley family asset until it is determined who owns the historic estate
Chancellor JoeDae Jenkins says Elvis Presley’s Memphis, Tennessee home, Graceland, will continue to remain a Presley family asset. Therefore, a planned foreclosure and sale of the property will not occur, as reportedly scheduled, on May 23.
Jenkins made the following ruling, per CNN. “The estate is considered unique under Tennessee law. And in being unique, the loss of the real estate will be considered irreparable harm.”
In a blockbuster turn of events, it was reported on May 20 that Elvis Presley’s Graceland home would be sold in a foreclosure sale. His granddaughter,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Dolly Parton moved to Nashville, she had no plans to get married. She moved to the city to find success as a singer and didn’t want a relationship to distract her. This changed on her first day in the city, when she met Carl Dean. Her future husband charmed her immediately. She shared why she felt she was able to jump into the relationship without sacrificing her ambitions.
Dolly Parton wanted to focus on her career, not get married
In 1964, Parton moved to Nashville the day after her high school graduation. She had been hard at work on her music career since childhood, and this was her biggest step forward yet. She didn’t want anything to get in the way of this.
“A lot of people don’t understand it, and no one who doesn’t have a marriage like ours could understand it,” Parton said in...
Dolly Parton wanted to focus on her career, not get married
In 1964, Parton moved to Nashville the day after her high school graduation. She had been hard at work on her music career since childhood, and this was her biggest step forward yet. She didn’t want anything to get in the way of this.
“A lot of people don’t understand it, and no one who doesn’t have a marriage like ours could understand it,” Parton said in...
- 5/21/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Before Dolly Parton met her current husband, Carl Dean, she had a handful of boyfriends. She had many admirers, even in her years before fame. One of Parton’s ex-boyfriends said she was an incredibly positive person to date.
Dolly Parton’s ex described her personality when they dated
When Parton and her Uncle Bill tried to get her music career off the ground, they traveled to radio stations in their local area. At one of them, she met Bobby Denton, with whom she would go on a few dates.
“I remember one time we did a swimming party and show at Whittle Springs and Dolly and Bill came out,” Denton recalled in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “When they did ‘What’d I Say,’ Dolly hit the high notes fine, but Bill sang flatter than a pancake. After that I got to be friends with her, and we had a few dates.
Dolly Parton’s ex described her personality when they dated
When Parton and her Uncle Bill tried to get her music career off the ground, they traveled to radio stations in their local area. At one of them, she met Bobby Denton, with whom she would go on a few dates.
“I remember one time we did a swimming party and show at Whittle Springs and Dolly and Bill came out,” Denton recalled in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “When they did ‘What’d I Say,’ Dolly hit the high notes fine, but Bill sang flatter than a pancake. After that I got to be friends with her, and we had a few dates.
- 5/20/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton knew she wanted to sing professionally from a young age. As a child, she threw herself into building a music career, writing songs and traveling to recording studios with her uncle. By high school, she was a local celebrity, with songs on the radio and a regular spot on Cas Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. Despite all this, some people in her community did not believe in her abilities. Some teachers didn’t want her to perform in a school program because they didn’t think she had the talent for it.
Some of Dolly Parton’s teachers weren’t confident in her ability to sing
By the time Parton reached high school, she had been working as a singer for years. It’s hardly surprising, then, that she announced her plans to pursue it further after graduation. Some of her teachers used this to their advantage,...
Some of Dolly Parton’s teachers weren’t confident in her ability to sing
By the time Parton reached high school, she had been working as a singer for years. It’s hardly surprising, then, that she announced her plans to pursue it further after graduation. Some of her teachers used this to their advantage,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1967, Dolly Parton began appearing on The Porter Wagoner Show. When she met with Wagoner, she had no idea that he would offer her the life-changing role. Still, she was quick to accept it. It was a particularly good stroke of luck, as Wagoner wanted little to do with Parton before he met her.
Porter Wagoner didn’t want Dolly Parton on his show
In the latter half of the 1960s, Parton began making a name for herself in Nashville.
“Everybody you ran into was talking about Dolly Parton. Everybody,” journalist Bill Littleton recalled in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “They all had a Dolly Parton story, they all knew her, and everybody had been to lunch with her. It was like the town had adopted her, and she was the fair-haired child. Every time you’d turn around. There was no way to stop her.”
Porter Wagoner and...
Porter Wagoner didn’t want Dolly Parton on his show
In the latter half of the 1960s, Parton began making a name for herself in Nashville.
“Everybody you ran into was talking about Dolly Parton. Everybody,” journalist Bill Littleton recalled in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “They all had a Dolly Parton story, they all knew her, and everybody had been to lunch with her. It was like the town had adopted her, and she was the fair-haired child. Every time you’d turn around. There was no way to stop her.”
Porter Wagoner and...
- 5/15/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton took a major step in the direction of being a country singer when she appeared onstage at the Grand Ole Opry. Parton was still a child, but she had a sizable ambition and an aversion to the word “no.” She set her mind to appearing on the stage and made persistent attempts at getting there. Unfortunately, she was too young to sing at the Opry. It took some assistance from another performer to get her in front of the audience.
Dolly Parton shared how one country singer helped her at the start of her career
After Parton and her Uncle Bill decided she should perform at the Grand Ole Opry, they made their way to the historic venue. Once they arrived, full of ambition, manager Ott Devine informed the singer that she was too young to perform.
“Ott Devine said that I was too young, but now I...
Dolly Parton shared how one country singer helped her at the start of her career
After Parton and her Uncle Bill decided she should perform at the Grand Ole Opry, they made their way to the historic venue. Once they arrived, full of ambition, manager Ott Devine informed the singer that she was too young to perform.
“Ott Devine said that I was too young, but now I...
- 5/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1956, Dolly Parton made her first appearance on Cas Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. The program helped her get her start in the music industry and taught her how to perform. She worked surrounded by men, but Walker said Parton stood her own. He also said that men tended to avoid her.
Cas Walker said men avoided Dolly Parton
When Parton began appearing on Farm and Home Hour, Walker felt he needed to protect her from the various musicians surrounding her.
“I went on a lot of show dates I wouldn’t have went on, but she was fourteen or so, and I went to keep her from bein’ out there with a bunch of tush-hogs,” Walker said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Those tush-hogs — and there are a lot of ‘em in country music — weren’t safe to be around women. Just couldn’t behave themselves,...
Cas Walker said men avoided Dolly Parton
When Parton began appearing on Farm and Home Hour, Walker felt he needed to protect her from the various musicians surrounding her.
“I went on a lot of show dates I wouldn’t have went on, but she was fourteen or so, and I went to keep her from bein’ out there with a bunch of tush-hogs,” Walker said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Those tush-hogs — and there are a lot of ‘em in country music — weren’t safe to be around women. Just couldn’t behave themselves,...
- 5/12/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have been together for decades. Parton has spent a good deal of their married years on the road, touring and making movies. Many people have hardly even seen Dean, let alone witnessed the couple together. One of the people who has, Parton’s former guitarist Don Roth, shared why he thought they were a perfect pair.
Dolly Parton cracked a joke to her band when her husband visited
After attending an industry event with Parton, Dean informed her that he didn’t want to be a part of her life in show business. Still, he would visit her when she had shows within driving distance of their home.
“When we’d be playing some place, like in Missouri, he’d drive up and Dolly would jump off the bus when she saw the car there,” Roth said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
Dolly Parton cracked a joke to her band when her husband visited
After attending an industry event with Parton, Dean informed her that he didn’t want to be a part of her life in show business. Still, he would visit her when she had shows within driving distance of their home.
“When we’d be playing some place, like in Missouri, he’d drive up and Dolly would jump off the bus when she saw the car there,” Roth said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
- 5/12/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Dolly Parton was 13, she got in the recording studio to work on her first record. She had experience performing — she had even taken the stage at the Grand Ole Opry by this point — but many believe this was her first record. According to one radio station worker, Parton recorded another song when she was even younger. She wanted to keep this record far from the public.
Dolly Parton didn’t want an early recording to be made public
Parton began taking steps toward her dream of being a musician at an early age. She began writing songs and traveling to venues with her uncles. When she was 13, she recorded the songs “Puppy Love” and “Girl Left Alone” at a local label. According to the book Dolly by Alanna Nash, Parton was so small “so the microphone could fit and we could get the fullest capabilities of the song she was recording.
Dolly Parton didn’t want an early recording to be made public
Parton began taking steps toward her dream of being a musician at an early age. She began writing songs and traveling to venues with her uncles. When she was 13, she recorded the songs “Puppy Love” and “Girl Left Alone” at a local label. According to the book Dolly by Alanna Nash, Parton was so small “so the microphone could fit and we could get the fullest capabilities of the song she was recording.
- 5/12/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Dolly Parton realized she wanted to be a musician, she set her sights on performing at the Grand Ole Opry. She put on small performances, but she and her Uncle Bill never lost sight of their goal of having her get onstage at the historic venue. When she finally had a chance to, she only got onstage because she broke a rule.
Dolly Parton broke the rules at the Grand Ole Opry
Parton’s Uncle Bill firmly believed in her star power, and he saved up enough money to bring her to the Opry.
“Nobody ever told me that you couldn’t do anything you wanted to do,” Parton said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I just always thought, ‘Well, all you gotta do is just go there and if you sing well, you can be on the Grand Ole Opry.’ Gettin’ the nerve was probably the hardest part,...
Dolly Parton broke the rules at the Grand Ole Opry
Parton’s Uncle Bill firmly believed in her star power, and he saved up enough money to bring her to the Opry.
“Nobody ever told me that you couldn’t do anything you wanted to do,” Parton said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I just always thought, ‘Well, all you gotta do is just go there and if you sing well, you can be on the Grand Ole Opry.’ Gettin’ the nerve was probably the hardest part,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For Johnny Depp, acting was the last thing on his mind before he ended up in Wes Craven’s Nightmare on Elm Street. The feature ended up giving Depp the successful Hollywood career that he currently enjoys. But the actor was very fortunate to end up in the horror flick despite Craven’s unfavorable opinion towards him.
Wes Craven liked almost nothing about Johnny Depp before casting him in ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ Nick Corri, Amanda Wyss, Johnny Depp, and Heather Langenkamp | Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Audiences first saw Depp on the big screen in Craven’s 1984 classic Nightmare on Elm Street. The actor ended up being cast as the boyfriend to the film’s final girl Nancy Thompson, played by Heather Langenkamp. It was a role he acquired that even Depp would tell people was a fluke.
“It was divine intervention. When I moved to L.A.
Wes Craven liked almost nothing about Johnny Depp before casting him in ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ Nick Corri, Amanda Wyss, Johnny Depp, and Heather Langenkamp | Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Audiences first saw Depp on the big screen in Craven’s 1984 classic Nightmare on Elm Street. The actor ended up being cast as the boyfriend to the film’s final girl Nancy Thompson, played by Heather Langenkamp. It was a role he acquired that even Depp would tell people was a fluke.
“It was divine intervention. When I moved to L.A.
- 5/11/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Elvis Presley got onstage to perform his music, he was confident and collected. He cracked jokes to the crowd and enjoyed witnessing his ability to rile them up. Offstage, though, the people who knew him said he seemed less confident. Gene Nelson, who directed Elvis in two films, believed the singer’s self-confidence was surprisingly low off the stage.
Elvis didn’t seem to think highly of himself outside of music
Nelson directed Elvis in Kissin’ Cousins and Harum Scarum. While he found the singer to be hard-working and polite, he didn’t feel that he ever got to know him too well.
“He was just so enigmatic,” Nelson said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I mean, you felt compelled to try to figure out what really made him tick, because what he presented was not really Elvis, at least not all of it.
Elvis didn’t seem to think highly of himself outside of music
Nelson directed Elvis in Kissin’ Cousins and Harum Scarum. While he found the singer to be hard-working and polite, he didn’t feel that he ever got to know him too well.
“He was just so enigmatic,” Nelson said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I mean, you felt compelled to try to figure out what really made him tick, because what he presented was not really Elvis, at least not all of it.
- 5/10/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton has been navigating the music industry since she was a child. Her uncle drove her to performance venues and recording studios while she was still in school, and she made regular appearances on a local radio show. This taught her how to make her way in the male-dominated industry. According to one musician she knew, Parton didn’t let anyone push her around.
Dolly Parton always stood up for herself in the music industry
In 1956, Parton began making appearances on Cas Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. The radio show allowed her to showcase her talents to the Knoxville area and provided her with her first taste of fame. She was a child and had begun to work with older professional musicians. She didn’t appear to be intimidated by them, though.
“We had twelve or fifteen men and boys on the show and you know there’s always somebody smartin’ off,...
Dolly Parton always stood up for herself in the music industry
In 1956, Parton began making appearances on Cas Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. The radio show allowed her to showcase her talents to the Knoxville area and provided her with her first taste of fame. She was a child and had begun to work with older professional musicians. She didn’t appear to be intimidated by them, though.
“We had twelve or fifteen men and boys on the show and you know there’s always somebody smartin’ off,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Though Elvis Presley did not want Priscilla Presley around him on tour, he welcomed Linda Thompson on the road with him. She traveled between cities with him and spent time with his band and entourage. All this time on tour gave her a chance to bond with these people, and soon, Thompson was in a secret relationship with Elvis’ piano player. She shared that she felt drawn to him because he was so different from Elvis.
Linda Thompson began a relationship with a member of Elvis’ band
Though Elvis wanted Thompson on tour with him, he spent many nights taking drugs or having in-depth talks about spirituality with his barber. Bored, Thompson began playing cards with members of Elvis’ band. Through these games, she grew close with piano player David Briggs. Before long, their friendship developed into an affair. Thompson liked that Briggs was markedly different from her superstar boyfriend.
Linda Thompson began a relationship with a member of Elvis’ band
Though Elvis wanted Thompson on tour with him, he spent many nights taking drugs or having in-depth talks about spirituality with his barber. Bored, Thompson began playing cards with members of Elvis’ band. Through these games, she grew close with piano player David Briggs. Before long, their friendship developed into an affair. Thompson liked that Briggs was markedly different from her superstar boyfriend.
- 5/9/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Dolly Parton embarked on lengthy tour legs with members of her band. They traveled together by bus and spent weeks at a time away from home. Though Parton was married by this point, it didn’t take long before people began to whisper rumors of her flirtations with members of her band. Her former guitarist spoke about the affectionate way she treated people.
Dolly Parton was affectionate with members of her band
When Barbara Walters interviewed Parton in 1977, she asked the singer if there was any “hanky-panky” on the tour bus.
“Well, that depends on what you mean by hanky-panky,” Parton responded, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “We do a lot of celebratin’ on the bus. Let’s put it that way. If there’s really something to celebrate, if we want to stop and buy some wine or some champagne, if there’s somethin’ really nice.
Dolly Parton was affectionate with members of her band
When Barbara Walters interviewed Parton in 1977, she asked the singer if there was any “hanky-panky” on the tour bus.
“Well, that depends on what you mean by hanky-panky,” Parton responded, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “We do a lot of celebratin’ on the bus. Let’s put it that way. If there’s really something to celebrate, if we want to stop and buy some wine or some champagne, if there’s somethin’ really nice.
- 5/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt may have collaborated on two albums, but the former wasn’t sure she fit in with Ronstadt’s friend group. Parton has been involved with the music industry since she was a child and rose to major fame in adulthood. Still, she didn’t feel that she fit in with a crowd at Ronstadt’s house.
Dolly Parton didn’t feel she fit in at Linda Ronstadt’s party
By the end of the 1970s, Parton, who had solidly established herself in the country music scene, crossed over to mainstream success. Through all of this, she maintained a shimmering vitality and sincerity. As she achieved increasing levels of fame, she stayed true to her roots. For this reason, she became slightly uncomfortable when surrounded by other celebrities.
“I can tell you one thing,” her guitarist Don Roth said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
Dolly Parton didn’t feel she fit in at Linda Ronstadt’s party
By the end of the 1970s, Parton, who had solidly established herself in the country music scene, crossed over to mainstream success. Through all of this, she maintained a shimmering vitality and sincerity. As she achieved increasing levels of fame, she stayed true to her roots. For this reason, she became slightly uncomfortable when surrounded by other celebrities.
“I can tell you one thing,” her guitarist Don Roth said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
- 5/7/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s family members did a great deal to champion her career. They helped her on her rise to success and supported her after she achieved success. Still, they grew accustomed to her stardom. Her aunt said that this led them to take her for granted.
Dolly Parton’s family said they got used to her fame
Parton began performing in front of audiences as a child and started recording her music when she was still in school. By the 1970s, she was a star. Through her rise, her family members grew accustomed to knowing a famous musician. It no longer felt like a major deal to see her in concert.
“I know she’s busy, and I don’t push my way around when she’s got fans to see,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I said, ‘Well, I’ll let the other people see her.
Dolly Parton’s family said they got used to her fame
Parton began performing in front of audiences as a child and started recording her music when she was still in school. By the 1970s, she was a star. Through her rise, her family members grew accustomed to knowing a famous musician. It no longer felt like a major deal to see her in concert.
“I know she’s busy, and I don’t push my way around when she’s got fans to see,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I said, ‘Well, I’ll let the other people see her.
- 5/6/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1972, Bob Abel and Pierre Adige began following Elvis Presley on tour. The pair had recently released a film following Joe Cocker on tour, and Elvis was their next subject. Abel was a bit wary about filming Elvis after seeing him put on a lackluster performance in Las Vegas, but he quickly grew to like the singer. He said there was much to admire about Elvis, but he also noted a peculiar hollowness to him.
The director of ‘Elvis on Tour’ noticed a sadness to the singer
When Abel met the singer, he informed him that he wanted to do his best to portray the real Elvis. This required cooperation on Elvis’ part.
“I want to shoot the real you but the trade off is, you’ve got to be open with me,” Abel said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “If I...
The director of ‘Elvis on Tour’ noticed a sadness to the singer
When Abel met the singer, he informed him that he wanted to do his best to portray the real Elvis. This required cooperation on Elvis’ part.
“I want to shoot the real you but the trade off is, you’ve got to be open with me,” Abel said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “If I...
- 5/6/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Dolly Parton embarked on long stretches of tours with her band. While she paid well, the work was hard and took people away from home for weeks at a time. Her band had a high turnover rate, though not because people tired of the schedule. Instead, Parton fired many of her band members in search of the perfect lineup.
Dolly Parton’s band didn’t feel safe in their jobs
As Parton worked to cross over from a strictly country audience to a mainstream one, she tried to make sure she had the perfect band to back her. This became a major point of concern for the people who joined her on tour. Her former guitarist, Don Roth, said Parton struggled to find people because of her reputation.
“First of all, everybody’s afraid they’re gonna get fired; there’s no stability,” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
Dolly Parton’s band didn’t feel safe in their jobs
As Parton worked to cross over from a strictly country audience to a mainstream one, she tried to make sure she had the perfect band to back her. This became a major point of concern for the people who joined her on tour. Her former guitarist, Don Roth, said Parton struggled to find people because of her reputation.
“First of all, everybody’s afraid they’re gonna get fired; there’s no stability,” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
- 5/5/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s music carried him to unprecedented levels of fame and success. He had 18 songs go to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and his albums sold rapidly. Just a few short years before his ascension to stardom, though, few people knew he liked to sing. Elvis said he even failed his music class in school.
Very few people Elvis knew loved music
Elvis grew up singing in church and around his home, but he didn’t speak of his hobby at school. He was quiet, so few of his peers knew much about him.
“I first realized that I could sing at about two years of age,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick, later adding, “People would listen to me around the housing project where I lived, [but at school] nobody knew I sang.”
Elvis Presley | Earl leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images...
Very few people Elvis knew loved music
Elvis grew up singing in church and around his home, but he didn’t speak of his hobby at school. He was quiet, so few of his peers knew much about him.
“I first realized that I could sing at about two years of age,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick, later adding, “People would listen to me around the housing project where I lived, [but at school] nobody knew I sang.”
Elvis Presley | Earl leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images...
- 5/4/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton has acted in multiple movies and started her own production company. In her youth, though, she didn’t have many opportunities to go to the movies. According to one person she dated before fame, she was unable to maintain focus through a movie.
Dolly Parton was always loud at the movies
While still in school, Parton began to develop her music career. She recorded songs she worked on with her uncle and even got some airtime on local radio stations. At this stage of her career she met Bobby Denton, an operations director at a radio station. The pair hit it off and went on several dates.
For years, Parton has been a bubbly, joyful public figure. Denton said she has always been this way, which sometimes made dates difficult.
Dolly Parton | Robin Platzer/Images /Getty Images
“I went with her one night to tape a TV show,...
Dolly Parton was always loud at the movies
While still in school, Parton began to develop her music career. She recorded songs she worked on with her uncle and even got some airtime on local radio stations. At this stage of her career she met Bobby Denton, an operations director at a radio station. The pair hit it off and went on several dates.
For years, Parton has been a bubbly, joyful public figure. Denton said she has always been this way, which sometimes made dates difficult.
Dolly Parton | Robin Platzer/Images /Getty Images
“I went with her one night to tape a TV show,...
- 5/4/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Dolly Parton picked up a reputation that wasn’t great for someone looking to hire a band. She explained that people in Nashville felt she couldn’t keep her backing musicians. Parton was looking for a specific sound and dynamic, and she fired people if they didn’t fit this vision. According to one of her former band members, some people felt extremely bitter toward her.
Some members of Dolly Parton’s band resented her
For many musicians, the chance to play in Parton’s band was significant and exciting. She paid well and was on a seemingly endless rise. Still, it was hard work that required long hours on the road. They also felt that Parton’s new management had made it difficult to work with her.
“On top of that, a good many things promised by Dolly did not happen,” her former guitarist, Don Roth...
Some members of Dolly Parton’s band resented her
For many musicians, the chance to play in Parton’s band was significant and exciting. She paid well and was on a seemingly endless rise. Still, it was hard work that required long hours on the road. They also felt that Parton’s new management had made it difficult to work with her.
“On top of that, a good many things promised by Dolly did not happen,” her former guitarist, Don Roth...
- 5/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton has been married to her husband, Carl Dean, for decades, a truth that may come as a surprise to some. Parton’s husband does not join her on red carpets or at shows — few pictures of him are even publicly available. Early in Parton’s career, though, Dean joined her at an industry event. According to those in attendance, Dean was visibly uncomfortable with being there.
Dolly Parton’s husband was visibly uncomfortable at an industry event
In the 1960s, Parton received an award at the BMI Awards Dinner, and Dean accompanied her to the ceremony. Both of them were nervous about the event.
“I was very excited, because I’d never been [to an awards dinner] before,” she said, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Carl said he’d go with me. That was the first time he’d been to any industry function with me, and it was the last.
Dolly Parton’s husband was visibly uncomfortable at an industry event
In the 1960s, Parton received an award at the BMI Awards Dinner, and Dean accompanied her to the ceremony. Both of them were nervous about the event.
“I was very excited, because I’d never been [to an awards dinner] before,” she said, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Carl said he’d go with me. That was the first time he’d been to any industry function with me, and it was the last.
- 5/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton has been with her husband for decades, and she has joked about her flirtations with other men for nearly as long as they’ve been together. She danced around rumors of affairs for years. Her husband, Carl Dean, keeps his goings-on out of the public eye, but he once called Parton to inform her that he was on a date. Parton was well acquainted with his partner.
Dolly Parton’s husband took her former teacher on a date
Parton’s career took her away from home often, leaving Dean alone. This meant that when people came to town, it may be up to him alone to entertain them. Once, while she was on tour, Parton’s first grade teacher called on the couple.
“I go to Nashville about twice a year and Dolly’s folks were always saying I should call her when I came down,” her former teacher,...
Dolly Parton’s husband took her former teacher on a date
Parton’s career took her away from home often, leaving Dean alone. This meant that when people came to town, it may be up to him alone to entertain them. Once, while she was on tour, Parton’s first grade teacher called on the couple.
“I go to Nashville about twice a year and Dolly’s folks were always saying I should call her when I came down,” her former teacher,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley kicked off his acting career with a supporting role in 1956’s Love Me Tender. This would be the only film in which Elvis did not receive top billing. For the next 30 films, Elvis was the lead and main attraction, cementing his status as a movie star on top of his music career. Despite the success, Elvis was not happy. He said he realized he had to stop making movies because it was making him sick.
Elvis Presley said his acting career stressed him out to the point of illness
When Elvis began to work as an actor, it was just another step that his manager felt he should take on his rise to success.
“It was work,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “It was a job. I had to be there at a certain time in the morning...
Elvis Presley said his acting career stressed him out to the point of illness
When Elvis began to work as an actor, it was just another step that his manager felt he should take on his rise to success.
“It was work,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “It was a job. I had to be there at a certain time in the morning...
- 5/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley is best known for his music, but he had a substantial film career as well. He began acting in the 1950s and continued making movies all through the 1960s. Though not always critically successful, his films always drew audiences. This didn’t excite Elvis, though. He said that he never felt satisfied with his film career.
Elvis’ film career was a disappointment to him
Elvis said he initially viewed acting as just another job. Over time, though, he grew to care so much about it that it made him “physically ill” to not have any control over it.
“I didn’t have final approval on the script, which means that I couldn’t tell you, ‘This is not good for me,’” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I don’t think anyone was consciously trying to harm me. It...
Elvis’ film career was a disappointment to him
Elvis said he initially viewed acting as just another job. Over time, though, he grew to care so much about it that it made him “physically ill” to not have any control over it.
“I didn’t have final approval on the script, which means that I couldn’t tell you, ‘This is not good for me,’” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I don’t think anyone was consciously trying to harm me. It...
- 5/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s former guitarist, Don Roth, traveled with the singer for weeks at a time as she toured. He grew familiar with her work ethic, sense of humor, and flirtatious nature. He also got to know her husband, Carl Dean. Roth said that while he was well aware of the rumors about Parton’s infidelity, he thought her sense of right and wrong was so strong that she never would have cheated on him.
Dolly Parton’s guitarist said she was obsessed with her morals
For much of her career, Parton was the subject of affair rumors. People wondered if she was romantically involved with many of her professional connections, like band members or co-stars. Parton flirted with these rumors, believing the media attention would give a boost to her various projects. While she rarely confirmed or denied having affairs, Roth felt confident that she never had.
“[S]he’s totally loyal to Carl Dean,...
Dolly Parton’s guitarist said she was obsessed with her morals
For much of her career, Parton was the subject of affair rumors. People wondered if she was romantically involved with many of her professional connections, like band members or co-stars. Parton flirted with these rumors, believing the media attention would give a boost to her various projects. While she rarely confirmed or denied having affairs, Roth felt confident that she never had.
“[S]he’s totally loyal to Carl Dean,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When photo archivist Michael Ochs brokered a deal to offload his sprawling collection of 20th century iconography to Getty Images in 2007, neither seller nor buyer knew absolutely everything that was included in the transaction. Ochs had a decades-long reputation as the ultimate source of rock ‘n’ roll imagery, but his collection, at the time of its sale, included 3 million vintage prints, proof sheets and negatives. Many hadn’t been seen in decades, and others, presumably, never at all — particularly some shots of Old Hollywood, obtained in countless acquisitions over the decades that built up the Michael Ochs Archive.
“The Earl Leaf collection alone was over 100,000 negatives,” Ochs says of the late beatnik photographer, who shot many unknowns (Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood) before they blew up and Leaf went on to become the house photographer for The Beach Boys.
Getty has scanned, edited, captioned and digitized nearly 400,000 images from the collection since the acquisition,...
“The Earl Leaf collection alone was over 100,000 negatives,” Ochs says of the late beatnik photographer, who shot many unknowns (Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood) before they blew up and Leaf went on to become the house photographer for The Beach Boys.
Getty has scanned, edited, captioned and digitized nearly 400,000 images from the collection since the acquisition,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In 1967, Dolly Parton’s career reached new heights when Porter Wagoner invited her to appear on his television show. The spot on The Porter Wagoner Show brought her increased exposure, and their duets consistently landed her in the Top 10 on country charts. Still, Parton bristled at the notion that Wagoner discovered her. She had been working as a musician for a long time before she joined Wagoner on his show.
Dolly Parton said Porter Wagoner did not discover her
Parton was unquestionably grateful for the impact Wagoner had on her career. Still, she wondered if he got a bit too much credit for her success. She believed her uncle did more to get her started as a musician.
“I sometimes wonder if Porter doesn’t take more credit than he deserves,” she wrote in the book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “On the other hand, I often wonder if he gets enough credit.
Dolly Parton said Porter Wagoner did not discover her
Parton was unquestionably grateful for the impact Wagoner had on her career. Still, she wondered if he got a bit too much credit for her success. She believed her uncle did more to get her started as a musician.
“I sometimes wonder if Porter doesn’t take more credit than he deserves,” she wrote in the book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “On the other hand, I often wonder if he gets enough credit.
- 4/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Before Ringo Starr joined The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison worked with a different drummer. Pete Best traveled to Germany with The Beatles when they played in Hamburg. Best never reaped the prolific benefits of the band’s success, though. They fired him just before hitting it big, which McCartney described as one of the most difficult things they ever had to do.
Paul McCartney said The Beatles had to make a difficult decision
In 1962, The Beatles auditioned for producer George Martin. While Martin saw potential in the band, he didn’t see a path forward for them with Best. He asked them to consider finding a new drummer.
“He agreed to audition us, and we had a not-very powerful audition in which he was not very pleased with Pete Best,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “George Martin was used to drummers being very ‘in time,...
Paul McCartney said The Beatles had to make a difficult decision
In 1962, The Beatles auditioned for producer George Martin. While Martin saw potential in the band, he didn’t see a path forward for them with Best. He asked them to consider finding a new drummer.
“He agreed to audition us, and we had a not-very powerful audition in which he was not very pleased with Pete Best,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “George Martin was used to drummers being very ‘in time,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s relationship with her husband, Carl Dean, has been going strong for decades, but she has managed to keep it almost entirely away from the public eye. Dean, in contrast to his wife, prefers a quiet life away from the spotlight. In the 1970s, Dean’s privacy made rumors about the couple fly. Parton said that one of these rumors was particularly embarrassing to her.
Dolly Parton found it embarrassing that people believed a rumor about her relationship
In 1977, journalist Alanna Nash met with Parton for a wide-ranging interview. Shortly before their meeting, a story ran about Parton that said she knew her marriage would work because she lived with Dean for a year beforehand. When Nash brought this up, Parton was horrified.
“Oh, I didn’t live with him!” she said, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I made the mistake of sayin’ that out of country innocence.
Dolly Parton found it embarrassing that people believed a rumor about her relationship
In 1977, journalist Alanna Nash met with Parton for a wide-ranging interview. Shortly before their meeting, a story ran about Parton that said she knew her marriage would work because she lived with Dean for a year beforehand. When Nash brought this up, Parton was horrified.
“Oh, I didn’t live with him!” she said, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I made the mistake of sayin’ that out of country innocence.
- 4/26/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While Dolly Parton has enjoyed nearly everything her career has thrown at her, she still has to deal with the less glamorous sides of celebrity. Over the years, Parton has received a series of death threats. Her method of handling these has varied, but early in her career they greatly alarmed her. She turned down an exciting opportunity because of a series of threats to her life.
Dolly Parton turned down a chance to further her career because of death threats
In 1976, Parton prepared to play a show in West Virginia when she learned that someone had made a death threat against her. To protect herself and her band, Parton decided she could not go on with the show.
“We had our stuff backstage, unpacked and ready to go,” guitarist Tom Rutledge said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I was next door eating, and word came down that...
Dolly Parton turned down a chance to further her career because of death threats
In 1976, Parton prepared to play a show in West Virginia when she learned that someone had made a death threat against her. To protect herself and her band, Parton decided she could not go on with the show.
“We had our stuff backstage, unpacked and ready to go,” guitarist Tom Rutledge said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I was next door eating, and word came down that...
- 4/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1966, Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, decided he needed to exercise stronger control over his celebrity client. Elvis’ drug use had ramped up, something everyone in his life was aware of, and he fell and hurt himself while under the influence. Parker warned Elvis that if he didn’t take his advice, he would lose everything.
Elvis’ manager told him he would lose everything after he fell and hit his head
In 1966, Elvis’ friend, Joe Esposito, came to pick the singer up to go to the studio. He found him in the house, woozy, with a sizable lump on his head.
“Into 1966, he started taking downers more heavily, gradually at first,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But he started heavy into them more and more as he got more and more bored. Around about that time, he fell very badly...
Elvis’ manager told him he would lose everything after he fell and hit his head
In 1966, Elvis’ friend, Joe Esposito, came to pick the singer up to go to the studio. He found him in the house, woozy, with a sizable lump on his head.
“Into 1966, he started taking downers more heavily, gradually at first,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But he started heavy into them more and more as he got more and more bored. Around about that time, he fell very badly...
- 4/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s cheer and good humor seem unflappable, but she admitted to feeling lost and upset during one Las Vegas concert. The show was big and expensive, meant to be a grand introduction to the city for Parton. Instead, she felt overwhelmed and embarrassed. She shared what went so wrong when she got onstage.
Dolly Parton felt uncomfortable during a show in Las Vegas
In the 1980s, Parton and her manager, Sandy Gallin, planned to take her career to the next level with TV specials, film roles, and large concerts. One of these star-making moves was a plan for Parton to perform two weeks at the Riviera Theater in Las Vegas. She would make $350,000 a week.
“Sandy Gallin and I decided it would be fun to do a big Las Vegas show,” Parton wrote in her book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “Sandy was a genius at negotiating the deal.
Dolly Parton felt uncomfortable during a show in Las Vegas
In the 1980s, Parton and her manager, Sandy Gallin, planned to take her career to the next level with TV specials, film roles, and large concerts. One of these star-making moves was a plan for Parton to perform two weeks at the Riviera Theater in Las Vegas. She would make $350,000 a week.
“Sandy Gallin and I decided it would be fun to do a big Las Vegas show,” Parton wrote in her book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “Sandy was a genius at negotiating the deal.
- 4/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s ebullient personality makes it seem like little gets her down, but things still bother the singer. According to one of her backup singers, three things deeply disturbed the Queen of Country. Outside one show in Atlanta, a woman upset her by touching on two of these things.
Dolly Parton’s friend said an encounter outside a show disturbed the singer
Parton has been famous for decades and has often leaned into gossip about her as a way to promote her projects. She admitted that while tabloids often overblow news, there is typically a grain of truth in the stories they run. It bothers her deeply when there is not, and magazines run outright lies about her.
Even worse than this is when someone doubts her talent, or calls her songwriting into question. Parton rightfully takes immense pride in her work and she finds it incredibly hurtful when...
Dolly Parton’s friend said an encounter outside a show disturbed the singer
Parton has been famous for decades and has often leaned into gossip about her as a way to promote her projects. She admitted that while tabloids often overblow news, there is typically a grain of truth in the stories they run. It bothers her deeply when there is not, and magazines run outright lies about her.
Even worse than this is when someone doubts her talent, or calls her songwriting into question. Parton rightfully takes immense pride in her work and she finds it incredibly hurtful when...
- 4/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1983, Dolly Parton nervously prepared for a concert special in England. She was incredibly concerned ahead of the show as she wasn’t sure how the audience would react to her. Her audience’s perception of her outfit became the least of her worries, though. Just before she was meant to start the show, she heard news of a bomb threat to the theater. Here’s how Parton reacted.
Dolly Parton learned of a bomb threat shortly before a concert
Parton filmed a 1983 HBO special at the Old Dominion Theater in London. She spent time before the concert fretting about her audience. She wasn’t sure how they would react to “the big, overblown, oversequined cartoon of a woman who was about to stand before them,” (per Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business).
As she worried about getting heckled, she received even more troubling news. Scotland Yard received a bomb threat,...
Dolly Parton learned of a bomb threat shortly before a concert
Parton filmed a 1983 HBO special at the Old Dominion Theater in London. She spent time before the concert fretting about her audience. She wasn’t sure how they would react to “the big, overblown, oversequined cartoon of a woman who was about to stand before them,” (per Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business).
As she worried about getting heckled, she received even more troubling news. Scotland Yard received a bomb threat,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley made a fortune over the course of his life, but this didn’t stop his father from worrying about his finances. Elvis spent nearly as quickly as he earned, funneling money into hobbies, vehicles, and gifts for his friends and family. He also purchased expensive presents for strangers. He once gave someone a life-changing gift after reading about them in the newspaper.
Elvis Presley bought a stranger an expensive gift
While Elvis had a reputation for giving away cars — Johnny Carson even joked about it in one monologue — his gift-giving did not stop there. Once, while reading the newspaper, Elvis learned about a local woman in need of a wheelchair. He did not hesitate to buy her the nicest, most expensive one he could find.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“Man, that woman’s face was a picture when he just walked into...
Elvis Presley bought a stranger an expensive gift
While Elvis had a reputation for giving away cars — Johnny Carson even joked about it in one monologue — his gift-giving did not stop there. Once, while reading the newspaper, Elvis learned about a local woman in need of a wheelchair. He did not hesitate to buy her the nicest, most expensive one he could find.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“Man, that woman’s face was a picture when he just walked into...
- 4/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac, they became one of two couples in the band. By the time they were working on their second album with the band, both couples had broken up. Their emotional turmoil provided rich fodder for the band’s magnum opus, Rumours. It also stretched them all to their limits. Despite this, Buckingham said things would have been worse if the couple stayed together.
Lindsey Buckingham said it was for the best that he and Stevie Nicks broke up
In the lead up to the release of Rumours, John and Christine McVie divorced and Nicks and Buckingham broke up after years together. The breakup rattled the band, but Buckingham thought it would have been worse if both couples stayed together.
“If Stevie and I, and John and Chris had remained as couples, the stability of the band would not have been very good,...
Lindsey Buckingham said it was for the best that he and Stevie Nicks broke up
In the lead up to the release of Rumours, John and Christine McVie divorced and Nicks and Buckingham broke up after years together. The breakup rattled the band, but Buckingham thought it would have been worse if both couples stayed together.
“If Stevie and I, and John and Chris had remained as couples, the stability of the band would not have been very good,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley worked with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, for years. Parker helped lift Elvis to unprecedented heights, but he also kept the singer on a tight leash. Elvis rarely pushed back against Parker’s leadership, even when he disagreed with his decisions. According to those who knew the singer, he was terrified of Parker.
Elvis bowed to his manager’s power
In 1956, Parker became Elvis’ manager, a position he would hold until the singer’s death in 1977. Most people saw Elvis as confident, boisterous, and good-humored. He rarely showed this side of himself around his manager, though.
Parker controlled Elvis’ career and business interests, but he also had a hand in the singer’s personal life. When he instructed Elvis to stop spending time alone with his barber, Larry Geller, Elvis did not argue.
Colonel Parker and Elvis | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“Elvis sat and listened like an obedient child,...
Elvis bowed to his manager’s power
In 1956, Parker became Elvis’ manager, a position he would hold until the singer’s death in 1977. Most people saw Elvis as confident, boisterous, and good-humored. He rarely showed this side of himself around his manager, though.
Parker controlled Elvis’ career and business interests, but he also had a hand in the singer’s personal life. When he instructed Elvis to stop spending time alone with his barber, Larry Geller, Elvis did not argue.
Colonel Parker and Elvis | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“Elvis sat and listened like an obedient child,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Even Dolly Parton gets jitters ahead of shows. As she prepared to play a concert in England, she felt increasingly concerned that she wouldn’t go over well with the crowd. Parton worried the crowd would turn their nose at her appearance and performance.
Dolly Parton wasn’t sure a show in England would go well
In 1983, Parton put on a special for HBO at the Old Dominion Theater in London. She was incredibly nervous ahead of the performance.
“At first it looked as if the entire event would turn out to be a disaster. I knew that the British people had heard my songs on the radio and on records but didn’t really know what I looked like,” she wrote in her book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, adding, “I always thought of England as very proper and conservative. I didn’t know how they would react to the big,...
Dolly Parton wasn’t sure a show in England would go well
In 1983, Parton put on a special for HBO at the Old Dominion Theater in London. She was incredibly nervous ahead of the performance.
“At first it looked as if the entire event would turn out to be a disaster. I knew that the British people had heard my songs on the radio and on records but didn’t really know what I looked like,” she wrote in her book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, adding, “I always thought of England as very proper and conservative. I didn’t know how they would react to the big,...
- 4/20/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After Elvis and Priscilla Presley divorced, he began a relationship with Linda Thompson. These were among the most significant romantic relationships in his life. His bodyguards liked both Priscilla and Thompson, and they got to know them well enough to take note of the differences between them. They said Thompson was more comfortable with Elvis’ lifestyle than Pricilla.
Elvis’ friends said there was a key difference between Priscilla Presley and Linda Thomspon
Priscilla met Elvis when she was 14 years old and entered into an over-ten-year relationship with him. She moved to Graceland in the early 1960s and quickly began to feel lonely and confined. This feeling grew more intense over the years. Elvis was away from her for weeks at a time and, when he was home, he kept nocturnal hours and liked to stay in the house. She began to feel that she could never grow as a person...
Elvis’ friends said there was a key difference between Priscilla Presley and Linda Thomspon
Priscilla met Elvis when she was 14 years old and entered into an over-ten-year relationship with him. She moved to Graceland in the early 1960s and quickly began to feel lonely and confined. This feeling grew more intense over the years. Elvis was away from her for weeks at a time and, when he was home, he kept nocturnal hours and liked to stay in the house. She began to feel that she could never grow as a person...
- 4/20/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton has collaborated with many musicians over the years, and she says she often gets along well with them. Some, like Reba McEntire, are lifelong friends and others, like Kenny Rogers, became the subject of tabloid fodder about her love life. One artist with whom Parton sang a duet on her 1976 variety show, Dolly, always had a place in her heart.
Dolly Parton said 1 musician had a hold on her heart
In 1976, Parton welcomed country musician Tom T. Hall on her variety show, Dolly. They each performed a handful of songs and sang duets on “Sneaky Snake” and “I Love.”
Tom T. Hall | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
The pair also played the same show at the Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The venue hosted wrestling afterward, so the sign for the show read “Dolly Parton Tom T. Hall Wrestling.” Parton laughed at the photo of the sign,...
Dolly Parton said 1 musician had a hold on her heart
In 1976, Parton welcomed country musician Tom T. Hall on her variety show, Dolly. They each performed a handful of songs and sang duets on “Sneaky Snake” and “I Love.”
Tom T. Hall | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
The pair also played the same show at the Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The venue hosted wrestling afterward, so the sign for the show read “Dolly Parton Tom T. Hall Wrestling.” Parton laughed at the photo of the sign,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Dolly Parton’s close friend told her he was getting married, she celebrated by taking him on a vacation to Europe. She said they had the time of their lives on their trip, sightseeing, eating good food, and listening to music. One night, they went to the opera, where Parton worried her behavior would bring judgment from other attendees.
Dolly Parton worried about the way she’d seem at the opera
One night during their trip, Parton and her friend, Bob Hunka, went to the opera. She said she stood out in the crowd.
“The opera house, those highfalutin’ people in all of their finery, it was almost overwhelming to me,” she wrote in her book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “I know Bob must have been a little embarrassed to take me there in my gaudy, tasteless outfit, but if he was, he didn’t say anything.
Dolly Parton worried about the way she’d seem at the opera
One night during their trip, Parton and her friend, Bob Hunka, went to the opera. She said she stood out in the crowd.
“The opera house, those highfalutin’ people in all of their finery, it was almost overwhelming to me,” she wrote in her book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “I know Bob must have been a little embarrassed to take me there in my gaudy, tasteless outfit, but if he was, he didn’t say anything.
- 4/17/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley achieved a massive level of success early in his career and maintained his fame for two decades. While he eventually grew more accustomed to fame, his level of celebrity shocked him at first. He could hardly believe the effect he had on people and he found it a bit overwhelming. He said that he felt a bit scared of his success.
Elvis Presley said his level of success frightened him
Elvis began his music career in the early 1950s when he recorded songs as a gift for his mother. By 1956, he had cemented his celebrity status.
“[1956 was] when everything took off,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Everything he touched turned to gold, he couldn’t do a thing wrong.”
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Fans wept their way through Elvis’ shows and he jumped into a film career.
Elvis Presley said his level of success frightened him
Elvis began his music career in the early 1950s when he recorded songs as a gift for his mother. By 1956, he had cemented his celebrity status.
“[1956 was] when everything took off,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Everything he touched turned to gold, he couldn’t do a thing wrong.”
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Fans wept their way through Elvis’ shows and he jumped into a film career.
- 4/16/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, ran the singer’s career with rigid control. He exercised a similar level of oversight over Elvis’ personal life. He encouraged him to get married, cut friends out of Elvis’ life, and directed him away from certain interests. Because of this, some people in Elvis’ life did not believe Parker wasn’t aware of his drug use. They believe Parker should have done more to help him.
People who knew Elvis thought Colonel Parker should have done more for him
By the mid-1970s, everyone in Elvis’ life was concerned about his well-being. He took increasing amounts of drugs and began to look unwell. Elvis’ bass player, Duke Bardwell, wished Parker would have stepped in to help Elvis. He believed his unwillingness to do so came down to Parker’s “lack of humanity … because Colonel was the only one that could help” (via...
People who knew Elvis thought Colonel Parker should have done more for him
By the mid-1970s, everyone in Elvis’ life was concerned about his well-being. He took increasing amounts of drugs and began to look unwell. Elvis’ bass player, Duke Bardwell, wished Parker would have stepped in to help Elvis. He believed his unwillingness to do so came down to Parker’s “lack of humanity … because Colonel was the only one that could help” (via...
- 4/15/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton admired her mom for a number of reasons. She raised 12 children in a one-bedroom home with both strength and kindness. She also received visions that came in handy for the Parton family. Parton said her mother’s premonitions were accurate enough that they may have saved her brother’s life.
Dolly Parton’s mom had a very strong intuition
When Parton was young, she realized her mother had abilities that set her apart from most other people.
“Mama had premonitions — ‘visions,’ she called them,” Parton wrote in her book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “They could be startlingly accurate.”
Parton said her mother had these visions often enough that everyone in her family implicitly believed them. Their trust in her likely saved Parton’s brother’s life.
“One night, years later, she sat up in her bed and said to Daddy, ‘Lee, get your clothes on.
Dolly Parton’s mom had a very strong intuition
When Parton was young, she realized her mother had abilities that set her apart from most other people.
“Mama had premonitions — ‘visions,’ she called them,” Parton wrote in her book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “They could be startlingly accurate.”
Parton said her mother had these visions often enough that everyone in her family implicitly believed them. Their trust in her likely saved Parton’s brother’s life.
“One night, years later, she sat up in her bed and said to Daddy, ‘Lee, get your clothes on.
- 4/14/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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